Maya Map 1. Central America is an isthmus. An isthmus is a strip of land that connects two larger land areas. It is surrounded by water. Add these to the map: UÊ Caribbean Sea The Maya civilization once spanned hundreds of cities throughout Mesoamerica. Today this part of the world makes up present-day Central America and Mexico. Grab your expedition map! It’s time to visit four ancient Maya sites, but first you’ll need to complete three assignments. 2. Use your geography skills and knowledge of capital cities to label the following countries on the lines with the circles: UÊ Belize UÊ Caracol is in the only Central American country without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. UÊ El Salvador UÊ North Pacific Ocean 3. Four ancient Maya sites have been marked with triangles on the map. Use the clues below to locate and label the sites. UÊ Guatemala UÊ Cerén can be found in the smallest country in Central America, which is also the only Central American country without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. UÊ Honduras UÊ Copán is in a country that is bordered by three countries and two oceans. UÊ Tikal can be found in the country with the most land borders. Its capital and country share the same name. Belmopan M EXI C O p Guatemala City Tegucigalpa San Salvador NI C AR AG U A Managua C O S T A R I C A Panama Canal Panama City PANAMA MAP KEY Area Shown Country Capital Body of Water Maya Site Photo: map, © Jim McMahon/Scholastic Inc.